Mishal Shan6 months ago

Gradenigo's Syndrome- When infection of the ear paralyses the eye!

Gradenigo's syndrome is a rare complication of otitis media in which the infection extends into the apex of the petrous bone of the skull base and involves the trigeminal and abducens cranial nerves (CN V & VI). This 8 year old child presented with right sided earache, right sided retro-orbital pain along with diplopia. Right lateral rectus palsy was observed on examination. The child's MRI and CT scans showed evidence of petrous apex inflammation without any apex erosion or cholesteatoma formation. The child underwent cortical mastoidectomy, grommet insertion and was prescribed parenteral antibiotics. The symptoms completely recovered in 2 weeks. Source: Humayun HN, Akhtar S, Ahmed S. Gradenigo's syndrome--surgical management in a child. J Pak Med Assoc. 2011 Apr;61(4):393-4. PMID: 21465982.